VPS-Newsletter January 2024
QUARTERLY QUOTE
If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.
Banksy
- A new year has dawned, and with every new year can come resolutions for doing new things, whether starting a new pastel, or painting in a style or manner that is new for us, or painting a new subject, or doing whatever “new” means to us. But whether something new or not, we hope we all can be moved to paint anew this year!
- Hub activities have continued throughout fall and into winter.
- Two workshops are being offered this year.
- The Members’ Exhibition and Juried Show dates and venues have been established.
Continue reading below for more details.
CALENDAR OF 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS:
Apr 17, 2024: Spring Board Meeting via Zoom, 4-6pm
May 3-5, 2024: Aline Ordman workshop in Essex Junction, VT
Jun 6 to Sep, 2024: Members’ Exhibition (ME) at Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester, VT
Sep 28-Nov 11, 2024: Juried Show (JS) at the T. W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier, VT
VPS REGIONAL HUBS UPDATE
VPS: Champlain met in October and began with hub members sharing news, continued with planning for a demo to contrast oil and soft pastels, then concluded with the viewing of a hub member’s show at a nearby venue. In November they gathered to share hub member news, to watch a zoom artist talk, to continue organizing for the Aline Ordman workshop in May, to arrange a hub show at a local venue, to plan a holiday gathering in December, and to look at hub members’ current artworks.
VPS: MidState got together in October to decide on how to use their hub money, to plan for upcoming meetings, to propose another challenge, and to look at pastels done from last month’s challenge. They met again in November to announce their hub workshop in January, then they viewed paintings from their challenge “to make a pastel that changed something from their reference photo.”
VPS: SouthEast hosted a reception for their November hub show in a local gallery.
VPS: UpperValley convened in November and using their recent survey, decided to meet regularly on the second Monday of every month and liked the idea of using challenges each meeting. They affirmed intentions for a hub show in the Spring/Summer of 2024, and looked at each other’s pastels-in-process.
VPS EXHIBITIONS
This year’s Members’ Exhibition (ME), hosted by VPS: SouthWest, will be displayed at the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) from Jun 6 to Sep 2024. We were asked by SVAC to supply a theme and our new Director of Exhibitions and I derived the following, broad enough to allow any of us to exhibit our work or works, but hopefully with an encouragement to adventure to a place we have not been before:
Pastel Panorama: Journeys with a Medium
2024 Members’ Exhibition of the Vermont Pastel Society
The Juried Show (JS) will be hosted by VPS: Central at the T.W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier from Sep 28-Nov 11, 2024.
Keep your email-eyes open for updates about these two exhibitions.
VPS WORKSHOPS
Aline Ordman will be offering a 3-day workshop May 3-5, 2024 in Essex Junction, VT. Details will be coming soon, so stay alert.
Barbara Jaenicke similarly, will be giving a 3-day workshop October 4-6, 2024, most likely in Bennington, VT, with more information coming our way in the summer.
VPS BOARD NEWS
We, the members of the Board, feel that our Bylaws need to be changed. Here are some of the reasons and the proposed changes to address our concerns.
This year we had more VPS members interested in being on the board than we could permit according to the Bylaws, so we propose changing the number of board members from “no fewer than three and no more than ten Officers” to “no fewer than three and no more than twelve Officers.” This enables us to add two members-at-large.
In order to have a seamless transition from Vice President to President, we propose removing the Workshop tasks from the VP responsibilities and asking the Members-at-Large to take that on.
We propose updating the job descriptions of the Webmaster, the Director of Exhibitions, the Membership Secretary, and the Director of Hubs to reflect more accurately their responsibilities.
This Newsletter item is to inform all VPS members that we will be voting on these Bylaws changes in two weeks. Please read them below, direct any questions to Matthew Peake, and be alert for a Constant Contact email asking for your vote. We all thank you!
At our last Annual Members’ Meeting in October, we elected several new board members. The names and positions of each currently-serving board member can be found on the VPS website here: https://vermontpastelsociety.com/contact/
As a VPS member, you are permitted to post two pastels on the website gallery. Remember to check what is up there now and update your images as you make new work. We get over 5000 visitors and 8000 visits a year, and the Gallery of Member Art gets the most traffic, so take advantage of the exposure:
https://vermontpastelsociety.com/participation-in-the-members-gallery/
Also, you can share noteworthy news about your artwork, about prizes you were awarded, about your upcoming shows, about your hub, or about other pastel items of personal interest. Check it out by going to the VPS website and clicking Member News on the drop-down menu or click on this link for submission instructions:
https://vermontpastelsociety.com/vps-member-noteworthy-news/
Don’t forget that you can also rent DVDs for free as a member. The information is on our website.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN OUR VPS!
With the start of another ambitious year, with two opportunities to exhibit our works, with two exciting workshop offerings, and with most of our Hubs meeting regularly, there is great value in being a member of the VPS. Please renew your membership, if you haven’t yet done so, because we stay VPS Strong with the continual support for our organization which each of you provides. Thank you all so very much!
Matt Peake, VPS President
Proposed VPS Bylaws Changes 2023
Below in Black are sections of the current Bylaws we wish to amend. Following that, in Blue, are the proposed changes in the Bylaws we made after collecting input from the currently serving board members.
Please review the Blue version and in two weeks’ time, when requested, please cast your vote, “Yes, I approve the new Bylaws changes as written.” OR “No, I do not approve the new Bylaws changes as written.”
Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to do this.
ARTICLE 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Control and Power
The Board of Directors shall assume full responsibility for VPS operations. The Board shall have the exclusive control and power to manage the activities, property and affairs of VPS and shall determine the manner in which the funds of VPS, both principal and income, shall be applied within the limitations of the VPS Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws.
Section 2. Number, tenure
The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than three and no more than ten Officers. Director’s terms will be for two years. Directors can serve for more than one term.
ARTICLE 7. OFFICERS
Section 1: General and Elections
The Officers of VPS shall consist of: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Exhibitions Director, Webmaster, Director of Hubs, and two Members at Large. The Officers shall set policy and procedures for VPS. Officers shall be elected by the members at the Annual Membership Meeting. Elected Officers will also be announced to the membership via e-mail and on the Website.
Section 2: President
The President shall be responsible for overseeing and/or coordinating all functions of the organization. More specifically, the President will
- schedule all board and membership meetings and be responsible for the agenda and the general conduct of such meetings.
- be an ex-officio member of every committee
- write a newsletter to the members on a regular basis
- be the spokesperson for the organization and represent the VPS at local, civic, and other outside activities which require a VPS presence
Section 3: Vice President
The Vice President will report to the President and will be responsible for the organization in the absence of the President.
More specifically, the Vice President will
- facilitate the annual VPS workshop offerings, including, but not limited to assisting VPS members in the overall planning of the workshop, in the preparing of financial worksheets, and in communicating with members,
- compile workshop evaluation data about presenters and facilities and will keep it accessible for future use.
Section 4: Secretary
The Secretary will report to the President and will be responsible for recording minutes of all meetings.
More specifically, the Secretary will
- record the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, and distribute them to the Board in a timely manner;
- record the minutes of the members’ meetings for distribution to the members in a timely manner;
- keep the history and records of the VPS.
Section 5: Membership Secretary
The Membership Secretary shall keep a record with the names and addresses of the members entitled to vote.
More specifically, the Membership Secretary will
- keep a database of the members, including name, email or other contact information, hub assignment, etc.,
- be responsible for communicating to the membership about VPS news, about VPS offerings–such as workshops, exhibitions–and about any other general VPS information,
- assign new members to hubs based on geographic proximity to existing hub meeting places.
Section 6: Treasurer
The Treasurer will report to the President and will be responsible for the financial records of VPS.
More specifically, the Treasurer will
- keep correct and complete records of the account, accurately showing at all times the financial condition of VPS,
- be the legal custodian of all funds of the VPS, subject to the direction of the Board,
- keep a detailed account of income and expenditures,
- present a financial report to the Board at regularly scheduled meetings,
- be responsible for payment of all expenditures of VPS and including the filing of tax returns,
- be available so that all books and records of the corporation may be inspected by any member, or his/her agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
Section 7: Director of Hubs
The Director of Hubs serves on the VPS board, will report to the President, and will oversee the VPS Regional Hub Program and work to maintain its stability and growth.
More specifically, the Director or Hubs will
- be responsible for communication between Regional Hub point persons and the VPS Board.
- coordinate information about Hub activities and pass that information on to the membership, to the Webmaster, to the Membership Secretary, and/or to the VPS Facebook page editor to a social media platform depending on the need.
- prepare a report for board meetings twice a year, describing the status of the regional hubs and their activities.
- coordinate with the VPS Treasurer and the Hub point person a Hub’s request for funds, approval of the request, and the Hub’s reimbursement.
- maintain contact with each hub point person, advising new point people of their responsibilities; being a resource for point people should questions or problems arise; participating in the replacement of Point People should the currently serving one step down.
Section 8: Webmaster
The Webmaster serves on the VPS board, will report to the President, and will be responsible for maintaining the VPS website.
More specifically, the Webmaster will
- update the Member Gallery, providing submission specs for members.
- make changes to the website as the President and Board find appropriate.
- make additions to the website as directed for items such as Exhibits, Workshops, Blog Posts, Forms, Resources, and other Site Menu Items.
- work with Web professionals for complex website modifications and to keep the website up and running,
- convey bills in a timely manner to the Treasurer.
Section 9: Director of Exhibitions
The Director of Exhibitions serves on the Board, will report to the President, and will be responsible for a minimum of two VPS-sponsored exhibitions per year consisting of one Member Exhibition and one Juried Show.
More specifically, the Director of Exhibitions will
- oversee the entire exhibition process including scheduling venues in advance and communicating to membership the details of the show (including gallery contract; dates for submitting written information or images; dates/times for drop off and pick up of artwork; date/time for reception, awards/prizes and categories for awarding such)
- assemble VPS volunteers for soliciting prizes, hanging the show, preparing the reception, and for other duties as needed,
- work with the gallery owner to assure that the show is publicized as widely as possible,
- secure well-respected artists to serve as online jurors for the annual juried show and to act as judges for both the Members’ Exhibition and Juried Show
- work with the President and Treasurer on awards and presentation of awards at the receptions
- keep exhibition procedures up to date.
Section 10: Member at Large #1
The Member at Large will be a member in good standing and will report to the President,
More specifically, a Member at Large will
- take on jobs for the VPS that require intermittent or regular action, such as coordination of the Video Lending Library, ad hoc committee work, etc.
- administer the VPS workshop scholarship awards.
Section 11: Member at Large #2
The Member at Large will be a member in good standing and will report to the President.
More specifically, a Member at Large will
- take on jobs for the VPS that require intermittent or regular action, such as coordination of the Video Lending Library, ad hoc committee work, etc.
- administer the VPS workshop scholarship awards.
ARTICLE 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Control and Power
The Board of Directors shall assume full responsibility for VPS operations. The Board shall have the exclusive control and power to manage the activities, property and affairs of VPS and shall determine the manner in which the funds of VPS, both principal and income, shall be applied within the limitations of the VPS Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws.
Section 2. Number, tenure
The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than three and no more than twelve Officers. Director’s terms will be for two years. Directors can serve for more than one term. Directors who have been appointed mid-year will fill out the term of the director they have replaced.
ARTICLE 7. OFFICERS
Section 1: General and Elections
The Officers of VPS shall consist of: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Director of Exhibitions, Webmaster, Director of Hubs, and two to four Members-at-Large. The Officers shall set policy and procedures for VPS. Officers shall be elected by the members at the Annual Membership Meeting. Elected Officers will also be announced to the membership via e-mail and on the Website. Any Officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or the Secretary. Any such notice shall take effect as of the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein. If the office of any Officer shall become vacant for any reason, the remaining members of the Board, even if less than a quorum, shall elect a successor for the unexpired term of such Officer.
Section 2: President
The President shall be responsible for overseeing and/or coordinating all functions of the organization. More specifically, the President will
- schedule all board and membership meetings, and be responsible for the agenda and the general conduct of such meetings,
- be an ex-officio member of every committee,
- write a newsletter to the members on a regular basis,
- be the spokesperson for the organization and represent the VPS at local, civic, and other outside activities which require a VPS presence.
Section 3: Vice President
The Vice President will report to the President and will be responsible for the organization in the absence of the President.
More specifically, the Vice President will
- assume the office of the president when that office is vacated during the tenure of the president or when the president is unable to serve,
- fulfill such other duties as may be assigned by the president or the Board.
Section 4: Secretary
The Secretary will report to the President and will be responsible for recording minutes of all meetings.
More specifically, the Secretary will
- record the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, and distribute them to the Board in a timely manner,
- record the minutes of the Annual Members’ Meeting for distribution to the members in a timely manner,
- keep current the history and records of VPS via VPS Google Drive Record Retention.
Section 5: Membership Secretary
The Membership Secretary will report to the President and shall keep a record with the names and addresses of the members entitled to vote.
More specifically, the Membership Secretary will
- keep a database of the VPS members including name, email, phone number, or other contact information, their hub assignment, membership fee paid, etc.
- be facile with VPS email marketing platform to communicate with members about VPS exhibitions, shows, workshops, membership renewal, etc., keeping that database updated,
- be responsible for communicating to the membership about VPS news, about VPS-specific offerings, about any other general VPS information,
- assign new members to hubs based on geographic proximity to existing hub meeting places; send message welcoming them to the VPS; inform Board, Hub point person(s), and the Director of Hubs,
- transfer membership payments to the Treasurer.
Section 6: Treasurer
The Treasurer will report to the President and will be responsible for the financial records of VPS.
More specifically, the Treasurer will
- keep correct and complete records of the account, accurately showing at all times the financial condition of VPS,
- be the legal custodian of all funds of the VPS, subject to the direction of the Board,
- keep a detailed account of income and expenditures,
- present a financial report to the Board at regularly scheduled meetings,
- be responsible for payment of all expenditures of VPS including the filing of tax returns,
- be available so that all books and records of the corporation may be inspected by any member, or his/her agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
Section 7: Director of Hubs
The Director of Hubs will report to the President and will oversee the VPS Regional Hub Program and work to maintain its stability and growth.
More specifically, the Director of Hubs will
- act as a liaison between Regional Hub point persons and the VPS Board, including contact and follow-up with hub point persons; support for new point people; and a resource for any hub point person’s questions or concerns;
- coordinate information about Hub activities and pass that information on to the membership, to the Webmaster, to the Membership Secretary, and/or to those responsible for VPS social media;
- prepare a report for Board meetings twice a year and annual meeting once a year, describing the status of the regional hubs and their activities;
- coordinate with the VPS Treasurer and the Hub point person(s) a Hub’s request for funds, approval of the request, and the Hub’s reimbursement.
Section 8: Webmaster
The Webmaster will report to the President, and will be responsible for maintaining the VPS website.
More specifically, the Webmaster will
- update the Member Gallery, providing submission specs for members;
- make changes to the website as the President and Board find appropriate;
- make additions to the website as directed for items such as Exhibitions, Workshops, Blog Posts, Forms, Resources, and other Site Menu Items;
- work with Web professionals for complex website modifications and to keep the website up and running;
- convey bills in a timely manner to the Treasurer;
- administer the Google Drive Records Retainer;
- administer the VPS Corporate Zoom Account.
Section 9: Director of Exhibitions
The Director of Exhibitions serves on the Board, will report to the President, and will be responsible for a minimum of two VPS-sponsored exhibitions per year consisting of one Members’ Exhibition (ME) and one Juried Show (JS).
More specifically, the Director of Exhibitions will
- oversee the entire exhibition process including scheduling venues in advance and communicating to the current year’s Hosting Hub Point Person(s) the details of the ME or JS (coordinating with the hosting hub the venue’s contract; dates for submitting written information or images; dates/times for drop off and pick up of artwork; date/time for reception; juror and judge names and websites; awards/prizes and categories for awarding such, among other tasks);
- keep up to date the ME and JS google docs, sheets, and forms;
- work with the Hosting Hub’s Point Person(s) and the venue representative to assure that the show is publicized as widely as possible;
- assist the Hosting Hub’s Point Person(s) in ways of finding well-respected artists to serve as online jurors for the annual juried show and to act as judges for both the Members’ Exhibition and Juried Show;
- work with the President and Treasurer on awards and presentation of awards at the receptions;
Section 10: Member-at-Large
The Member-at-Large will be a member in good standing and will report to the President.
More specifically, a Member-at-Large will
- take on jobs for the VPS that require intermittent or regular action, such as coordination of the Video Lending Library, ad hoc committee work, etc.;
- administer the VPS workshop scholarship awards;
- facilitate the annual VPS workshop offerings, including, but not limited to, assisting VPS members in the overall planning of the workshop, in the preparing of financial worksheets, and in communicating with members;
- compile workshop evaluation data about presenters and facilities and keep it accessible for future use.